These works utilise a variety of both contemporary and traditional natural materials which range from calico, pepa koka’anga (vylene paper), and feta’aki (undyed barkcloth). The pepa koka’anga is used across Tongatapu for making ngatu as it is less expensive compared to the feta’aki (undyed barkcloth), its use is similarly positioned in Aotearoa where natural materials are less easily sourced. In this exhibition you are able to see my process of making which experiments with printing on all three materials. Other materials traditionally used within the making process are sourced from the ‘ulu niu (coconut tree) which are; kavele’ipulu (coconut husk), la’i kaka (coconut fibre) and tu’aniu (coconut leaf mid-rib), paongo (pandanus leaves) and fau (hibiscus). These materials are particular to the methods and processes of traditional kupesi making which I have used as a point of departure, my equivalent method being the use of screen printing and ink. Similarly, the procedure of tauaki pe tautau (to hang so as to dry) informs the installation of my works in contemporary art spaces.

– ‘Uhila Kanongata’a Nai